Display control device, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for recommending that a user use a normal screen rather than a simple screen

ABSTRACT

A display control device and method configured to recommend, at proper times, that a user use a normal screen rather than a simple screen and increase effective utilization of the normal screen. A normal screen and a simple screen may be displayed for accepting a setting operation. A recommendation may be displayed that a user use the normal screen at proper times, including but not limited to, if every function set by the user on the normal screen is settable on the normal screen, if a setting period exceeds a certain value, if a ratio of functions settable on the normal screen to set functions that is calculated from the operation history regarding the plurality of setting operations is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, if a predetermined number of functions on the normal screen match functions in the operation history information, or by using operation history, acquired information about the set function, a set value, or a setting period.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/989,855 filed Jan. 7, 2016, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/849,920 filed on Mar. 25, 2013, and is based onand claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2012-154790 filed Jul. 10, 2012. The disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display control device, a serviceproviding apparatus, a display control method, and a non-transitorycomputer readable medium.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a displaycontrol device including a first memory, an operation-display unit, anda display controller. The first memory stores data of a normal screenand data of a simple screen. The normal screen is a screen that displaysfunctions related to a service process provided to a user, whereas thesimple screen is a screen that displays a smaller number of functionsthan the normal screen. The operation-display unit displays one of thenormal screen and the simple screen to the user and accepts a settingoperation performed by the user on a function among the displayedfunctions. The display controller controls the operation-display unit sothat an indication recommending the user to use the simple screen isdisplayed in a case where every function set by the user on the normalscreen is settable on the simple screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa service providing apparatus according to a first exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofan operation-display section according to the first exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of a configuration of anoperation panel;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a serviceselection screen;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of normalsetting screens used in normal copy;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a simplesetting screen used in simply copy;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a display controlprocess according to the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a table thatstores an operation history;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a login process;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a setting acceptingprocess;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a guidance displayprocess;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of aguidance displaying screen that is displayed after a setting operationis performed;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a display controlprocess according to a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 14A to 14C are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of aguidance displaying screen that is displayed before a setting operationis performed; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a guidancedisplaying screen that recommends the user to switch a copy mode fromsimple copy to normal copy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment Service Providing Apparatus

A service providing apparatus according to a first exemplary embodimentof the present invention will be described. The service providingapparatus may be a multifunction printer that provides multiple serviceprocesses. The service providing apparatus according to this exemplaryembodiment provides multiple service processes, which include at least acopy process, a print process, an image reading process, and a facsimileprocess. Hereinafter, the copy process, the print process, the imagereading process, and the facsimile process may be referred to as“copying”, “printing”, “scanning”, and “fax”, respectively. Also, theservice processes may be simply referred to as “services”, such as anormal copy process being referred to as “normal copy”.

Overall Configuration of Service Providing Apparatus

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe service providing apparatus according to the first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a serviceproviding apparatus 10 includes a controller 12, an operation-displaysection 14, an image reading section 16, an image forming section 18, asheet transporting section 20, a communication section 22, and a memory24. This configuration of the service providing apparatus 10 is merelyan example, and thus the configuration and arrangement of the individualsections may be changed, such as an unnecessary functional section beingremoved or a new functional section being added.

The controller 12 is implemented as a computer that controls the serviceproviding apparatus 10 and performs various computations. Specifically,the controller 12 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 12A, a readonly memory (ROM) 12B that stores various programs, a random accessmemory (RAM) 12C that is used as a work area during execution of aprogram, a nonvolatile memory 12D that stores various pieces ofinformation, and an input/output interface (I/O) 12E. The CPU 12A, theROM 12B, the RAM 12C, the nonvolatile memory 12D, and the I/O 12E areconnected to each other via a bus 12F.

Each of the operation-display section 14, the image reading section 16,the image forming section 18, the sheet transporting section 20, thecommunication section 22, and the memory 24 is connected to the I/O 12Eof the controller 12. The controller 12 exchanges information with eachof the operation-display section 14, the image reading section 16, theimage forming section 18, the sheet transporting section 20, thecommunication section 22, and the memory 24 so as to control thesection.

The operation-display section 14 includes various buttons and anoperation panel that displays various screens. With these components,the operation-display section 14 accepts operations performed by theuser and displays various pieces of information to the user. Detailsabout the configuration of the operation-display section 14 will bedescribed later.

The image reading section 16 includes an image reading device, such asan image sensor, that optically reads an image formed on a sheet; and ascanning mechanism that performs a scan on a sheet. With thesecomponents, the image reading section 16 reads an image formed on anoriginal document placed at the image reading section 16 and generatesimage information.

The image forming section 18 is a device that forms an image on a sheet.For example, the image forming section 18 that uses theelectrophotographic system to form an image includes an image formingunit and a fixing device. The image forming unit includes aphotoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developingdevice, a transfer device, and a cleaning device.

Now, an image forming operation based on the electrophotography will bebriefly described. The photoconductor drum is charged by the chargingdevice. The exposure device exposes the charged photoconductor drum tolight that is modulated in accordance with image data, thereby formingan electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on thephotoconductor drum. The developing device develops, by using toners,the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum. Thetransfer device transfers the resultant toner image formed on thephotoconductor drum onto a sheet. The fixing device fixes thetransferred toner image on the sheet.

The sheet transporting section 20 includes a sheet container that holdssheets therein, pickup rollers that pick up a sheet from the sheetcontainer, and transporting rollers that transport a sheet that has beenpicked up. With these components, the sheet transporting section 20transports a sheet picked up from the sheet container to the imageforming section 18. The sheet transporting section 20 also transports asheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 18to a sheet output tray.

The communication section 22 is an interface that communicates with anexternal apparatus via a wired or wireless communication network. Forexample, the communication section 22 functions as an interface thatcommunicates with an external apparatus, such as a computer, that isconnected to a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or theInternet. For example, the communication section 22 communicates with anexternal apparatus, such as a computer, so as to acquire imageinformation, image formation information used in image formation, or thelike from the external apparatus. The communication section 22 may alsoacquire various programs, such as application programs, from an externalapparatus.

The memory 24 includes a storage device, such as a hard disk drive. Thememory 24 stores various programs and various kinds of data, such as logdata.

Various drives may be connected to the controller 12. The drives aredevices that read data from a computer readable portable recordingmedia, such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a compactdisc-read only memory (CD-ROM), and a universal serial bus (USB) memory,and that write data on the computer readable portable recording media.When the various drives are connected, the controller 12 may load aprogram recorded on a portable recording medium by using thecorresponding drive and may execute the program.

Configuration of Operation-Display Section

Now, a configuration of the operation-display section 14 will bedescribed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe operation-display section 14 according to this exemplary embodimentof the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theoperation-display section 14 includes a display controller 30, a timer38, an operation panel 40, a display screen generation unit 42, an inputaccepting unit 44, and a memory 46. As described with reference to FIG.1, the operation-display section 14 is connected to the controller 12 ofthe service providing apparatus 10 via the I/O 12E. The configuration ofthe operation-display section 14 is merely an example, and thus theconfiguration and arrangement of the individual components may bechanged, such as an unnecessary functional unit being removed or a newfunctional unit being added.

The display controller 30 is implemented as a computer that controls theoperation-display section 14 and performs various computations.Specifically, the display controller 30 includes a CPU 32, a ROM 34, anda RAM 36. In this exemplary embodiment, the ROM 34 stores a controlprogram used when a “display control process” described below or thelike is executed. The CPU 32 reads a stored program from the ROM 34 andexecutes the program by using the RAM 36 as a work area.

Each of the CPU 32, the ROM 34, and the RAM 36 of the display controller30 is connected to the timer 38, the display screen generation unit 42,the input accepting unit 44, and the memory 46 via a bus 48. The displaycontroller 30 exchanges information with the timer 38, the displayscreen generation unit 42, the input accepting unit 44, and the memory46 so as to control these components.

The timer 38 is a measurement device that measures a period taken toperform a setting operation for each function. The operation panel 40includes various buttons, such as a start button and numeral buttons; aliquid crystal display for displaying various screens; and a touchpanel. Arrangement of the individual components in the operation panel40 will be described later. The operation panel 40 is connected to eachof the display screen generation unit 42 and the input accepting unit44.

The display screen generation unit 42 acquires screen data in accordancewith an instruction given thereto from the display controller 30, anddisplays a screen based on the acquired screen data on the operationpanel 40. The screen data is stored in the memory 46. The inputaccepting unit 44 accepts an operation performed by the user on theoperation panel 40; identifies a set function, a set value, a pressedbutton, and so forth; and notifies the display controller 30 of theobtained information. For example, the input accepting unit 44 detects atouch of an object (the user's finger or the like) onto the touch panel,and identifies a selected function on the basis of an address of theposition where the touch is detected.

When an instruction for starting a service process is accepted, thedisplay controller 30 instructs the controller 12 of the serviceproviding apparatus 10 to execute the service process. Based on thecontent of the service process, the controller 12 controls the imagereading section 16, the image forming section 18, the sheet transportingsection 20, the communication section 22, and the memory 24 so as toexecute the service process.

The memory 46 stores various kinds of data. In this exemplaryembodiment, the memory 46 stores screen data 50, an operation history52, user information 54, and control data 56. The screen data 50includes pieces of data that correspond to various screens to bedisplayed on the operation panel 40. Examples of the screens to bedisplayed on the operation panel 40 include a “service selection screen”that displays a list of available services, “setting screens” thatdisplay settable functions, and “guidance displaying screens” that willbe described later.

The operation history 52 includes information that represents contentsof operations that have been performed by each user. Every time theservice providing apparatus 10 is used by a user, a new operationhistory record, which contains information about the set function, theset value, and the setting period, is acquired and is stored inassociation with the user. The new operation history record is added tothe operation history 52, whereby the operation history 52 is updated.The operation history 52 will be described later using a specificexample (see FIG. 8).

The user information 54 includes pieces of information used toauthenticate each user in a login process. In the user information 54, auser name and a password are stored in association with each other. Thecontrol data 56 includes various kinds of data used when the displaycontroller 30 executes a display control process. The various kinds ofdata may take forms of set values, tables, graphs, or the like. Examplesof the control data 56 include an “initial value of each function” thatis used when the set value is initialized, a “threshold” that is usedwhen control is switched between, and a “condition” that is used forconditional branching.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of the configuration of theoperation panel 40 will be described specifically. The operation panel40 is arranged at an easy-to-operate position for the user, such as onan upper surface of the body of the service providing apparatus 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the operation panel 40 includes a touch panel 60and buttons 70. Each of the buttons 70 is arranged in the vicinity ofthe touch panel 60. In the illustrated arrangement example, each of thebuttons 70 is arranged on the right side of the touch panel 60.

The touch panel 60 has a function of a liquid crystal display. Thefunction of a liquid crystal display allows the touch panel 60 todisplay a screen, such as a setting screen, thereon. When the usertouches an image (a button) displayed on the touch panel 60, the touchpanel 60 identifies a function or the like that is associated with thetouched image in accordance with an address of the position where thetouch is detected. Hereinafter, the action “to touch an imagerepresenting a button” is expressed as “to press a button”.

The buttons 70 include numeral buttons 72, a start button 74, a resetbutton 76, a clear button 78, a login button 80, and a logout button 82.The configuration of the operation panel 40 is merely an example, andthus the configuration and arrangement of the individual components maybe changed, such as an unnecessary button being removed or a new buttonbeing added. For example, instead of the login button 80 and the logoutbutton 82, images for login and logout may be included in a serviceselection screen.

The numeral buttons 72 are used by the user to enter a value, such asthe number of copies. The start button 74 is used to start execution ofeach service. The reset button 76 is used to reset the selected serviceand the set value of each function. The clear button 78 is used to clearthe set value of each function. The login button 80 is used by the userto start a login process. The logout button 82 is used by the user tolog out from the service providing apparatus 10.

Normal Service and Simple Service

Now, a “normal service” and a “simple service” will be described.

The service providing apparatus 10 provides multiple service processes.In this exemplary embodiment, a normal service and a simple service areprepared for some of the service processes. The simple service is aservice prepared for users, such as unaccustomed users who areunaccustomed to using the service providing apparatus 10, users withpoor eyesight, and users who do not use complicated settings. Thefollowing describes differences between the normal service and thesimple service.

The normal service is a mode that allows the user to make settings forall functions provided in the service. Thus, a setting screen for thenormal service (hereinafter, referred to as a “normal setting screen”)includes buttons for making settings of all functions. In the normalservice, a complicated setting or a special setting is made usingvarious functions in combination. However, because buttons are arrangedin multiple layers, the setting operation is complicated. Accordingly,an unaccustomed user takes some time to perform the setting operation.

The simple service is a mode that allows the user to make settings ofsome of all functions provided in the normal service. In the simpleservice, functions to be provided are limited to basic ones orconvenient ones, and thus the number of functions settable in the simpleservice is less than that of the normal service. That is, functionssettable in the simple service are also settable in the normal servicebut some of functions settable in the normal service are not settable inthe simple service.

A setting screen for the simple service (hereinafter, referred to as a“simple setting screen”) includes buttons for making settings of somefunctions, such as basic functions or convenient functions. Also,because the number of functions to be provided in the simple service isless than that of the normal service, the buttons for the providedservices are displayed as a list. This allows an unaccustomed user toperform the setting operation more easily. Furthermore, the individualfunctions are displayed using large characters and large buttons. Thisallows a user with poor eyesight to perform the setting operation moreeasily.

In the related art, even when the simple service is prepared for aservice process, the normal service and the simple service are notproperly used. As a result, the simple service is not effectively used.There are users who select the normal service even though their desiredfunction is settable in the simple service and consequently take sometime to perform the setting operation.

In this exemplary embodiment, in the case where a service process forwhich the simple service is prepared is executed, a message, whichrecommends a user who in the normal service has made settings offunctions that are settable in the simple service to use the simpleservice, is displayed to the user. The message that recommends the userto use the simple service makes opportunity for the user to use thesimple service, leading to effective utilization of the simple service.

Service Selection Screen

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a serviceselection screen. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a service selection screen100 is a screen that displays a list of service processes to be selectedand is also called a menu screen. The service selection screen 100 has amessage display portion 102 and a selection target display portion 104.The selection target display portion 104 displays multiple buttons,which include a copy selection button 106, a fax selection button 108, ascan selection button 110, a simple copy selection button 112, and asimple fax selection button 114.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the normal service and the simpleservice are prepared for two services, namely, the copy process and thefax process. Regarding these service processes, one of the normalservice and the simple service is used in accordance with selection madeby the user. The following specifically describes a normal settingscreen used in normal copy and a simple setting screen used in simplecopy.

Normal Setting Screen

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of thenormal setting screens used in normal copy. Upon the copy selectionbutton 106 being pressed on the service selection screen 100 illustratedin FIG. 4, the service selection screen 100 changes to a normal settingscreen 200 illustrated in FIG. 5A.

The normal setting screen 200 includes a message display portion 202 anda selection target display portion 204. The selection target displayportion 204 displays a basic settings screen 206, an image qualityadjustments screen 208, a reading settings screen 210, an outputadjustments screen 212, and an edition settings screen 214. Each of thebasic settings screen 206, the image quality adjustments screen 208, thereading settings screen 210, the output adjustments screen 212, and theedition settings screen 214 has a tab button for displaying the screen,buttons used to set various functions, and value accepting parts thataccept set values.

Upon a button displayed on the normal setting screen 200 being pressed,a function setting is made or the displayed screen changes to a parallellayer screen, a lower layer screen, or an option displaying screen.Here, the “function setting” includes setting of a value associated withthe function. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the basic settings screen 206is displayed first when the displayed screen changes from the serviceselection screen 100.

For example, as a result of a button 220 that displays “100%” in amagnification selection portion being pressed on the basic settingsscreen 206, a value “100%” is set for a settable function “magnificationselection”. Also, as a result of a tab button that displays “imagequality adjustments” being pressed, the basic settings screen 206changes to the image quality adjustments screen 208 as illustrated inFIG. 5B.

As a result of a button 222 that displays “other percentages” in themagnification selection portion being pressed on the basic settingsscreen 206, the displayed screen changes to a magnification selectionscreen (not illustrated), which includes buttons and value acceptingparts for setting a magnification format in which the vertical andhorizontal magnifications are separately set and for setting a fixedmagnification ratio, such as the A3 size to the A4 size. Themagnification selection screen is a lower layer screen of the basicsettings screen 206. Also, as a result of a button 224 that displays“N-up” being pressed, the basic settings screen 206 changes to aselection screen (not illustrated), which displays buttons for selecting“off”, “2-up”, “4-up”, and so forth. This selection screen is an optiondisplaying screen of the basic settings screen 206.

Each of the image quality adjustments screen 208, the reading settingsscreen 210, the output adjustments screen 212, and the edition settingsscreen 214 is a parallel layer screen of the basic settings screen 206.As a result of the corresponding tab button being pressed, the displayedscreen changes to the reading settings screen 210, the outputadjustments screen 212, or the edition settings screen 214. As in thebasic settings screen 206, a function setting is made or the displayedscreen changes to a parallel layer screen, a lower layer screen, or anoption displaying screen regarding the image quality adjustments screen208, the reading settings screen 210, the output adjustments screen 212,and the edition settings screen 214.

As describes above, the normal setting screen 200 has buttons used toset all functions provided in the normal service. The user who uses thenormal setting screen 200 first displays a parallel layer screen to seta desired function. Then, the user displays a lower layer screen or anoption displaying screen in order to set the function on the displayedparallel layer screen, thereby making a setting for the desiredfunction, although the function may be set on the displayed parallellayer screen. Accordingly, an unaccustomed user takes a long time toperform the setting operation.

Simple Setting Screen

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the simplesetting screen used in simple copy. Upon the simple copy selectionbutton 112 being pressed on the service selection screen 100 illustratedin FIG. 4, the service selection screen 100 changes to a simple settingscreen 300 illustrated in FIG. 6. The simple setting screen 300 includesbuttons used to set some of all functions provided in the normalservice. Functions that are settable in the simple service are alsosettable in the normal service.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the simple setting screen 300includes a message display portion 302 and a selection target displayportion 304. The selection target display portion 304 displays a sheetselection portion 306, a magnification selection portion 308, asingle-sided/double-sided selection portion 310, a color mode selectionportion 312, a density setting portion 314, a button 316, and a button318.

The sheet selection portion 306 and the magnification selection portion308 each display multiple options (buttons) in a pull-down format, forexample. As a result of one of the buttons being pressed, a function anda value associated with the button are set. Thesingle-sided/double-sided selection portion 310 has buttons that allowselection of “1 to 1 (single-sided originals to single-sided copies)”,“1 to 2 (single-sided originals to double-sided copies)”, and “2 to 2(double-sided originals to double-sided copies)”. The color modeselection portion 312 has buttons that allow selection of “auto”, “fullcolor”, and “black/white”. The button 316 is a button used to set the“2-up” function. The button 318 is a button used to set the function ofstapling at an upper left position.

As a result of a button displayed on the simple setting screen 300 beingpressed, a function is set or the displayed screen changes to a lowerlayer screen or an option displaying screen. Functions that are settableon the simple setting screen 300 are limited to basic functions,convenient functions, or the like. Also, the simple setting screen 300displays the settable functions as a list. Thus, the simple settingscreen 300 makes it easier for an unaccustomed user to perform thesetting operation than the normal setting screen 200.

Operation Performed by Display Controller

Now, an operation performed by the display controller 30 will bedescribed.

The CPU 32 of the display controller 30 reads out a control program forexecuting a “display control process” or the like from the ROM 34, andexecutes the program by using the RAM 36 as a work area. Herein, adescription will be given using the normal setting screen and the simplesetting screen of the copy process but it is sufficient if the normalservice and the simple service are prepared for a service process. Theservice process is not limited to the copy process and may be the faxprocess, for example.

Overview of Display Control Process

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the “display controlprocess” according to the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The “display control process” starts in response toacceptance of a login request from the user. Here, an overview of theprocedure of the display control process will be described based on anassumption that an instruction for starting a service process is givenafter the user finishes setting functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in step S100, the display controller 30executes a “login process” in which authentication is performed on theuser, in response to a login request made by the user. In this exemplaryembodiment, when the user presses the login button 80, the login requestis accepted. It is assumed here that the user is permitted to log in. Instep S102, the display controller 30 executes a “setting acceptingprocess” in which a setting operation performed by the user is acceptedthrough the operation panel 40. When the user presses the start button74 after the setting accepting process ends, an instruction for startingthe service process is accepted.

In response to acceptance of an instruction for starting a serviceprocess, the display controller 30 instructs the controller 12 of theservice providing apparatus 10 to execute the service process in stepS104. In step S106, the display controller 30 displays an in-executionscreen (not illustrated) on the touch panel 60. This in-execution screeninforms the user that the service process is being executed. In stepS108, the display controller 30 executes a “guidance display process” inwhich a guidance displaying screen is displayed. Here, the “guidancedisplaying screen” displays a message that recommends the use of thesimple service. This guidance displaying screen is displayed to userswho are suited to using the simple service.

In step S110, the display controller 30 determines whether or not alogout request is made by the user. In this exemplary embodiment, whenthe user presses the logout button 82, a logout request is accepted. Ifa logout request is made, the display controller 30 terminates theroutine of the display control process. If no logout request is made,the process returns to step S102 and the display controller 30repeatedly performs steps S102 to S110 until it accepts a logoutrequest. After terminating the routine of the display control process,the display controller 30 displays an initial screen, a standby screen,or the like on the touch panel 60.

In this exemplary embodiment, when it is determined that the user issuited to using the simple service, the guidance displaying screen isdisplayed on the touch panel 60 after the user finishes the settingoperation. As described below, whether or not the user is suited tousing the simple service is determined in accordance with a history ofsettings made by the user. The subroutines, namely, the “login process”,the “setting accepting process”, and the “guidance display process”,will be described below.

Login Process

Now, the “login process” will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the “login process”.The “login process” starts in response to acceptance of a login requestfrom the user. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in step S200, the displaycontroller 30 displays a login screen (not illustrated) on the touchpanel 60. The login screen requests the user to enter informationnecessary for authentication of the user. In this exemplary embodiment,the login screen requests the user to enter the user name and thepassword. When the user presses the start button 74 after entering theuser name and the password, an instruction for starting authenticationis accepted.

In step S202, the display controller 30 determines whether or not aninstruction for starting authentication is accepted. If the instructionis accepted, the process proceeds to step S204 and the displaycontroller 30 acquires the user name and the password. If theinstruction is not accepted, the process returns to step S202. Step 202is repeatedly performed until the instruction for startingauthentication is accepted.

After acquiring the user name and the password in step S204, the processproceeds to step S206. In step S206, the display controller 30 refers tothe user information 54 stored in the memory 46 to performauthentication. Specifically, based on the user information 54, thedisplay controller 30 determines whether or not the acquired user nameand password match a user name and a password contained in the userinformation 54. If the user names and passwords match, authenticates issuccessful. If the user names and passwords do not match, authenticationis not successful. In step S208, the display controller 30 determineswhether or not authentication is successful. If authentication issuccessful, the display controller 30 terminates the routine of thelogin process.

If the authentication is not successful, the process returns to stepS200 and the display controller 30 displays the login screen (notillustrated) on the touch panel 60 again. The display controller 30 thenrepeats steps S200 to S208 until the user is authenticated.Alternatively, if authentication is not successful after steps S200 toS208 are performed multiple times, the display controller 30 mayterminate the routine of the login process. Also, the login process maybe performed using information read from an IC chip or a code attachedto a card or the like carried by the user.

Setting Accepting Process

Now, the “setting accepting process” will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the “settingaccepting process”. The “setting accepting process” starts after theuser logs in. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in step S300, the displaycontroller 30 displays the service selection screen 100 (see FIG. 4) onthe touch panel 60. When the user presses a service selection button,selection of a service is accepted.

In step S302, the display controller 30 determines whether or not thenormal service is selected. If the normal service is selected, theprocess proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the display controller 30displays the normal setting screen 200 (see FIG. 5A) on the touch panel60 and then the process proceeds to step S308. If the simple service isselected, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the displaycontroller 30 displays the simple setting screen 300 (see FIG. 6) on thetouch panel 60 and then the process proceeds to step S308.

In step S308, the display controller 30 initializes set values offunctions. “Initial values of functions” used when the set values areinitialized are stored in the memory 46 as the control data 56. In stepS310, the display controller 30 starts the timer 38 to measure a timeperiod and then the process proceeds to step S312. Starting of the timer38 indicates starting of a setting operation.

When the user presses a button, processing is performed in accordancewith the pressed button in the setting accepting process. Accordingly,which button is pressed, that is, what instruction is given, isdetermined sequentially. In step S312, the display controller 30determines whether or not a logout request is made by the user. In thisexemplary embodiment, when the user presses the logout button 82, alogout request is accepted. If a logout request is made, the displaycontroller 30 terminates the routine of the display control process asillustrated in FIG. 7. On the other hand, if no logout request is made,the process proceeds to step S314.

In step S314, the display controller 30 determines whether or not areset instruction is given by the user. In this exemplary embodiment,when the user presses the reset button 76, a reset instruction isaccepted. If the reset instruction is given, the process returns to stepS300 and the display controller 30 displays the service selection screen100 on the touch panel 60 again. On the other hand, if no resetinstruction is given, the process proceeds to step S316.

In step S316, the display controller 30 determines whether or not aninstruction for starting a service process is given by the user. In thisexemplary embodiment, when the user presses the start button 74, aninstruction for starting a service process is accepted. The user givesan instruction for starting a service process after finishing settingthe functions. Accordingly, if no instruction for starting a serviceprocess is given, the process proceeds to step S318, in which thedisplay controller 30 determines whether or not a set value is changed.In this exemplary embodiment, when the user presses a function selectionbutton on the normal setting screen or the simple setting screen, thechange of the set value is accepted.

If the set value is changed, the process proceeds to step S320, in whichthe changed function (set function) and the changed set value are storedin the RAM 36. In step S322, a setting period is stored in the RAM 36.If the set value is not changed, step S320 is skipped and the processproceeds to step S322, in which the setting period is stored in the RAM36. If the set value is changed and thereafter is returned to theinitial value, such as in the case where a function selection button ispressed and thereafter this operation is cancelled, the set function andthe set value need not be recorded in the operation history. Thus, thedisplay controller 30 determines that the set value is not changed.

After the setting period is stored in step S322, the process returns tostep S312. The display controller 30 repeatedly performs steps S312 toS322. In this way, the functions are sequentially set and the setfunctions and the set values thereof are sequentially stored. Also, thesetting periods of the functions are sequentially stored. Here, the“setting period” is a period (a pressing interval) from when onefunction selection button is pressed to when a next function selectionbutton is pressed. In the case where a function is selected for thefirst time, a period from when the setting operation is started to whenthe function selection button is pressed is treated as the “settingperiod”.

If an instruction for starting a service process is given in step S316,the process proceeds to step S324, in which the display controller 30checks the set functions, the set values, the setting periods, and anoperation period. Here, the “operation period” is a period from when thesetting operation is started to when an instruction for starting aservice process is given. In step S326, the display controller 30 storesan operation history record containing information about the setfunctions, the set values, the setting periods, and the operation periodin the memory 46 in association with the user. Specifically, the displaycontroller 30 adds the latest operation history record of the user tothe operation history 52 so as to update the operation history 52 storedin the memory 46. After storing the operation history record in stepS326, the display controller 30 terminates the routine of the “settingaccepting process”.

In the case where the user uses the service providing apparatus 10 forthe first time and no operation history of the user is found, a recordregarding the operation performed by the user may be stored in the RAM36 or the memory 46 in order to use the latest operation history recordof the user in the “guidance display process” to be performedsubsequently.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an example of a table that stores an operationhistory will be described. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, eachuser and an operation history of the user are stored in association witheach other. The user is represented by identification information thatenables identification of the user, for example, the user name or theuser identification number (ID). The operation history may be anyhistory information that indicates the state of an operation performedby the user. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the operation dateand time, the selected service, the set functions, the set values, andthe setting periods are stored as an operation history record. Thisexample illustrates operation history records of the copy process butthe service process is not limited to the copy process.

Guidance Display Process

Now, the “guidance display process” will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the “guidance displayprocess”. In this exemplary embodiment, the “guidance display process”starts after the user finishes the setting operation. As illustrated inFIG. 11, in step S400, the display controller 30 acquires an operationhistory.

In step S402, the display controller 30 determines whether or not aguidance display condition for displaying a guidance that recommends theuser to use the simple service is satisfied. In this exemplaryembodiment, the “guidance display condition” is a condition regardingwhether or not every function set in the normal service is settable inthe simple service. Based on the latest operation history of the user,the display controller 30 determines whether or not the “guidancedisplay condition” is satisfied. Specifically, if every function set inthe normal service is settable in the simple service, it is determinedthat the guidance display condition is satisfied.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, a user ABC who used the normal copy onJan. 4, 2012 set “1 to 2 (single-sided originals to double-sidedcopies)” for the double-sided/single-sided selection, “100%” for themagnification selection, and “full color” for the color mode. All ofthese functions are settable in the simple copy. Thus, it is determinedthat the guidance display condition was satisfied when the serviceproviding apparatus 10 was used on Jan. 4, 2012.

If the guidance display condition is satisfied, the process proceeds tostep S404, in which the display controller 30 displays the guidancedisplaying screen on the touch panel 60. The guidance message thatrecommends the use of the simple service is displayed to users who aresuited to using the simple service. On the other hand, if the guidancedisplay condition is not satisfied, the display controller 30 terminatesthe routine of the “guidance display process” without displaying theguidance displaying screen.

The condition regarding whether or not every function set in the normalservice is settable in the simple service is used as the “guidancedisplay condition” above but an additional guidance display conditionmay be further used. For example, conditions regarding whether or notevery function set in the normal service is settable in the simpleservice and whether or not a setting period of each function is longerthan or equal to a predetermined period may be used as the “guidancedisplay conditions”.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, regarding the user ABC who usedthe normal copy on Jan. 4, 2012, the setting period of thedouble-sided/single-sided selection is “30 seconds”, the setting periodof the magnification selection is “15 seconds”, and the setting periodof the color mode is “45 seconds”. In general, a period taken to set onefunction is several seconds. For example, when the predetermined periodis “5 seconds”, these setting periods are longer than the predeterminedperiod. Thus, it is determined that the guidance display conditions aresatisfied.

Now, the “guidance displaying screen” will be described. FIGS. 12A and12B are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of a guidancedisplaying screen that is displayed after the setting operation isfinished. A guidance displaying screen 400 illustrated in FIG. 12Aincludes a message display portion 402 and an execution state displayportion 404. In this example, the message display portion 402 displays amessage “Simple copy offers you easier copying” or the like, therebydisplaying a guidance that recommends the user to use the simpleservice. Also, the execution state display portion 404 displays theexecution state of the service process, such as that the service processis being executed or execution of the service process is finished.

A guidance displaying screen 410 illustrated in FIG. 12B includes amessage display portion 412, an execution state display portion 414, anda popup screen 416. The popup screen 416 is a window that is displayedso as to be superimposed on the execution state display portion 414 andthat is smaller than the execution state display portion 414. In thisexample, the popup screen 416 displays a message “Simple copy offers youeasier copying” or the like, thereby displaying a guidance thatrecommends the user to use the simple service.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

In the first exemplary embodiment, the example has been described inwhich a guidance displaying screen is displayed after the user finishesa setting operation. In a second exemplary embodiment, a guidancedisplaying screen is displayed to the user whose operation history isnot found after the user finishes a setting operation, whereas theguidance displaying screen is displayed to the user whose operationhistory is found before the user starts a setting operation.

In the case of the initial use, whether or not to display the guidancedisplaying screen that recommends the user to use the simple service isdetermined in accordance with an operation history regarding one settingoperation and the guidance displaying screen is displayed after thesetting operation is finished. In contrast, in the case of the second orfollowing use, whether or not to display the guidance displaying screenthat recommends the user to use the simple service is determined inaccordance with an operation history regarding multiple settingoperations and the guidance displaying screen is displayed to the userbefore the user starts a setting operation.

Operation Performed by Display Controller

Now, an operation performed by the display controller 30 will bedescribed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a “display controlprocess” according to the second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The “display control process” starts in response toacceptance of a login request from the user. Here, an overview of theprocedure of the display control process will be described. Steps thatare the same as those of FIG. 7 are assigned the same reference numeralsand a description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the display controller 30 executes the “loginprocess” in step S100. In step S101, the display controller 30determines whether or not an operation history of the user who haslogged in is found. If it is determined that no operation history isfound, the process proceeds to step S102, in which the “settingaccepting process” is executed. In step S104, the display controller 30instructs the controller 12 to execute the service process. In stepS106, the display controller 30 displays the in-execution screen (notillustrated) on the touch panel 60. In step S108, the display controller30 executes the “guidance display process” and then the process proceedsto step S110.

On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation history of theuser who has logged in is found in step S101, the process proceeds tostep S112. In step S112, the display controller 30 executes a “settingaccepting process” in which a setting operation performed by the user isaccepted. In this exemplary embodiment, the “guidance display process”is executed within the “setting accepting process” as described below.After accepting an instruction for starting a service process, thedisplay controller 30 instructs the controller 12 to execute the serviceprocess in step S114. The display controller 30 displays thein-execution screen (not illustrated) on the touch panel 60 in stepS116, and the process then proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the display controller 30 determines whether or not alogout request is made by the user. If a logout request is made, thedisplay controller 30 terminates the routine of the display controlprocess. On the other hand, if no logout request is made, the processreturns to step S101 and the display controller 30 repeatedly performssteps S101 to S116 until it accepts a logout request.

In this exemplary embodiment, in the case where the user uses theservice providing apparatus 10 for the second time or more, it isdetermined based on the operation history whether or not the user issuited to using the simple service. If the user is suited to using thesimple service, the guidance displaying screen is displayed on the touchpanel 60 before the user starts a setting operation.

Referring to FIG. 10, the “guidance display process” performed withinthe “setting accepting process” will be described. FIGS. 14A to 14C areschematic diagrams illustrating examples of a guidance displaying screenthat is displayed before a setting operation is performed. In thisexemplary embodiment, the guidance displaying screen is displayed beforethe user starts a setting operation.

For example, the “guidance display process” may be executed when theservice selection screen is displayed in step S300 of FIG. 10. Beforedisplaying the service selection screen in step S300, the displaycontroller 30 acquires an operation history of the user and determineswhether or not the guidance display condition is satisfied in accordancewith the operation history. If the guidance display condition issatisfied, the display controller 30 displays a message “Simple copyoffers you easier copying” or the like at a message display portion 502of a service selection screen 500 as illustrated in FIG. 14A, therebydisplaying a guidance that recommends the user to use the simpleservice. Also, the display controller 30 may change the color of simpleservice selection buttons among buttons displayed in a selection targetdisplay portion 504 of the service selection screen 500 or the like sothat the simple service selection buttons stand out.

Alternatively, the display controller 30 may execute the “guidancedisplay process” when the normal setting screen is displayed in stepS304 of FIG. 10. In this case, before the normal setting screen isdisplayed in step S304, the display controller 30 acquires an operationhistory of the user and determines whether or not the guidance displaycondition is satisfied in accordance with the operation history. If theguidance display condition is satisfied, the display controller 30displays a message “Simple copy offers you easier copying” or the likein a message display portion 602 of a normal setting screen 600 asillustrated in FIG. 14B, thereby displaying a guidance that recommendsthe user to use the simple service. In this case, no change is made on aselection target display portion 604.

In the case where the “guidance display process” is executed when thenormal setting screen is displayed, a normal setting screen 610 that hasa popup screen 616 may be displayed as illustrated in FIG. 14C. Thepopup screen 616 is a window that is displayed so as to be superimposedon an execution state display portion 614 and that is smaller than theexecution state display portion 614. In this example, a message “Simplecopy offers you easier copying” or the like is displayed in the popupscreen 616, whereby a guidance that recommends the user to use thesimple service is displayed.

Also, in this example, the popup screen 616 displays a message “Move tosimple copy?” and selection buttons so that one of the simple settingscreen and the normal setting screen is selected. If an agreement button618 that displays “Yes” is pressed, the displayed screen changes to thesimple setting screen. If a denial button 620 that displays “No” ispressed, the setting operation is continuously performed on the normalsetting screen.

In the case where the guidance display screen is displayed before theuser starts a setting operation, it is determined based on an operationhistory regarding multiple setting operations whether or not the user issuited to using the simple service. Here, a “guidance display condition”that is the same as or that is different from the “guidance displaycondition” of the first exemplary embodiment may be set. For example, acondition regarding whether or not a ratio of functions settable in thesimple service to all set functions is greater than or equal to apredetermined value may be used as the “guidance display condition”.When this condition is used, the use of the simple service isrecommended if the ratio of functions settable in the simple service toall set functions is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the user ABC who used the normalcopy on Jul. 15, 2012 also used the normal copy on Jan. 4, 2012. Thedouble-sided/single-sided selection function “2 to 1 (double-sidedoriginals to single-sided copies)” used in the normal copy on Jul. 15,2012 is a function that is not settable in the simple copy. Thus, theratio of functions settable in the simple service is “75%” (herein, theratio is expressed using percentages). Suppose that the predeterminedvalue is 70%. Then, the ratio of functions settable in the simpleservice is greater than the predetermined value. Thus, it is determinedthat the user ABC satisfied the guidance display condition at the timepoint of Jul. 15, 2012. That is, it is determined that the user ABC wassuited to using the simple service.

Also, a user XYZ who used the normal copy on Jul. 15, 2012 also used thenormal copy on Apr. 1, 2012. The double-sided/single-sided selectionfunction “2 to 1 (double-sided originals to single-sided copies)” andthe N-up function “4-up” used in the normal copy on Apr. 1, 2012 arefunctions that are not settable in the simple copy. Thus, the ratio ofthe number of functions settable in the simple service is “33%”, whichis lower than the predetermined value. Thus, it is determined that theuser XYZ did not satisfy the guidance display condition at the timepoint of Jul. 15, 2012. That is, it is determined that the user XYZ wasnot suited to using the simple service.

The “guidance display condition” used above is merely an example andother “guidance display conditions” may be used. Because whether or not“guidance display conditions” are satisfied is determined in accordancewith an operation history regarding multiple setting operations, various“guidance display conditions” are set. For example, a conditionregarding whether or not a ratio of the number of times functionssettable in the simple service are set to the number of times functionsare set is greater than or equal to a predetermined value may be used asthe “guidance display condition”. In the example of the user ABC whoused the normal copy on Jul. 15, 2012, the ratio of the number of timesfunctions settable in the simple service are set to the number of timesfunctions are set is “80%”.

Modifications

The display control device, the service providing apparatus, and theprogram described in each of the above-described exemplary embodimentsare merely examples and obviously the configurations thereof may bemodified within the scope that does not depart from the gist of thepresent invention.

While the cases in which the guidance displaying screen is displayedafter the user finishes a setting operation and in which the guidancedisplaying screen is displayed before the user starts a settingoperation have been described in the first and second exemplaryembodiments above, the guidance displaying screen may be displayed whilethe user is performing a setting operation. Referring to FIG. 10, the“guidance display process” performed during the “setting operation” willbe described. Because the guidance displaying screen displayed duringthe setting operation is substantially the same as that illustrated inFIG. 14B, illustration thereof is omitted.

For example, after storing the setting period in step S322 of FIG. 10,the display controller 30 acquires an operation history (set functions,set values, and setting periods) of the user and determines whether ornot the guidance display condition is satisfied based on the operationhistory. If the guidance display condition is satisfied, the displaycontroller 30 displays a message “Simple copy offers you easier copying”or the like at the message display portion 602 of the normal settingscreen 600 as illustrated in FIG. 14B, thereby displaying a guidancethat recommends the user to use the simple service.

The “guidance display condition” used in the case where the guidancedisplaying screen is displayed during the setting operation may be thesame as or different from the “guidance display condition” of the firstand second exemplary embodiments. For example, a condition regardingwhether or not the “setting period” stored in step S322 of FIG. 10 islonger than or equal to a predetermined period may be used as the“guidance display condition”. Upon determining that the setting periodis longer than or equal to the predetermined period during the settingoperation performed on the normal setting screen, the display controller30 displays the guidance displaying screen illustrated in FIG. 14B,thereby recommending the use of the simple service.

The example of displaying the guidance displaying screen that recommendsthe use of the simple service has been described in the first and secondexemplary embodiments and modifications thereof above. However, the userpossibly wishes to set a function that is not settable in the simpleservice while performing an operation on the simple setting screen. Insuch a case, a guidance displaying screen that recommends the use of thenormal service may be displayed. For example, if an operation period ofthe operation performed on the simple setting screen is longer than orequal to a predetermined period (for example, 100 seconds), that is, ifa service process is not started after the predetermined period passes,the display controller 30 displays a guidance displaying screenillustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a guidancedisplaying screen that recommends switching from the simple copy to thenormal copy. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a simple setting screen 800having a popup screen 806 may be displayed as the guidance displayingscreen. The popup screen 806 is a window that is displayed so as to besuperimposed on a selection target display portion 804 and is smallerthan the selection target display portion 804. In this example, thepopup screen 806 displays a message “Move to normal copy to set otherfunctions?” or the like and selection buttons, thereby allowing one ofthe simple setting screen and the normal setting screen to be selected.In this example, if an agreement button 808 that displays “Yes” ispressed, the displayed screen changes to the normal setting screen. If adenial button 810 that displays “No” is pressed, the setting operationis continuously performed on the simple setting screen.

Also, the example of displaying the guidance displaying screen has beendescribed in the first and second exemplary embodiments and themodifications thereof above. However, the setting of displaying theguidance displaying screen may be disabled. For example, in the exampleillustrated in FIG. 8, the user ABC started using the simple copy onDec. 28, 2012 and the operation period “6 seconds” is shorter than thoseof the previous cases. In the case where an unaccustomed user hasstarted using the simple service or in the case where the user becomesaccustomed to perform a setting operation, the setting of displaying theguidance displaying screen to the user may be “disabled”.

While the examples of displaying a guidance at the message displayportion or on the popup screen has been described in the first andsecond exemplary embodiments and the like, the way of displaying theguidance is not limited to these examples. The guidance displayingscreen may be displayed on the entire screen of the touch panel 60.

While the example in which an operation history, which containsinformation about the user, the operation date and time, the selectedservice, the set functions, the set values, and the setting periods, isstored as a table in the memory 46 of the operation-display section 14has been described in the first and second exemplary embodiments and thelike, the items contained in the operation history and the way ofstoring the operation history are not limited to this example. Forexample, information indicating whether or not the guidance is displayedmay be contained in the operation history. Also, the operation historymay be stored in an external storage device, such as a database.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display control device comprising: a firstmemory configured to store data of a normal screen and data of a simplescreen, the normal screen being a screen that displays functions relatedto a service process provided to a user, the simple screen being ascreen that displays a smaller number of functions than the normalscreen; and at least one processor configured to execute: anoperation-display unit configured to display one of the normal screenand the simple screen to the user and to accept a setting operationperformed by the user on a function among the displayed functions; and adisplay controller configured to control the operation-display unit todisplay an indication recommending that the user use the normal screenif an operation period of the operation performed on the simple screenis longer than or equal to a predetermined period, wherein theindication comprises a recommendation that the user use the normalscreen.
 2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein thedisplay controller is further configured to control theoperation-display unit to display a selection button to select movementto the normal screen in the indication recommending.
 3. The displaycontrol device according to claim 1, wherein the display controller isfurther configured to control the operation-display unit to display aselection button to select continue the simple screen in the indicationrecommending.
 4. The display control device according to claim 1,wherein the display controller is further configured to control theoperation-display unit to display the indication recommending as a popupscreen.